How to Test if a Cake is Done

It can be a bit tricky to tell when a cake has finished baking. However, once you learn how to test if a cake is done, you will be a pro in no time!

A quick note before we get into it: this post contains referral links for products I love and use myself. The Baker’s Almanac earns a small commission on these links at no cost to you, and the links will always be marked with an asterisk.

Before I take any cake out of the oven, I like to double (and triple!) check that it has finished baking. Below are three different ways you can tell if a cake is done. However, keep in mind that you don’t have to do all these methods each time—find what works best for you, and stick with it.

1. When a Cake Tester or Toothpick Comes Out Clean

This is my personal favorite method to test if a cake has finished baking. Take a toothpick or cake tester* and insert it into the middle of the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean with no raw batter, the cake is ready to come out of the oven.

(Image credit: Alina Karpenko)

2. When the Sides Pull Away

When a cake has finished baking, the outer edges of the cake will usually pull away from the sides of the pan. Once you see that start to happen, the cake is usually ready to come out.

3. When the Cake is Springy to the Touch

Finally, you can see if a cake is ready by lightly touching the surface of it. If the cake is springy to the touch, it’s ready to come out of the oven! When doing this, your finger should not leave any indent in the cake. If it does, throw it back in the oven for a few minutes and then test again.

(Image credit: Dilyara Garifullina)

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How to Test if a Cake is Done